Racers raise support for colon cancer

(NewsUSA) - Seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty has seen his fair share of races throughout his career. Yet, little could prepare him for the sight he'd see as nearly hundreds of people turned out for the Undy 5000 Track Walk benefitting the Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA).

"Unfortunately, colon cancer is the No. 2 cancer killer in this country," said Petty, also known to NASCAR fans across the country as simply "The King." "We wanted everyone to come out to the track to support the Colon Cancer Alliance."

And that they did. Nearly $20,000 was raised at the event held at Pocono Raceway following the Pocono 200 ARCA race in Long Pond, Pa.

"The Undy 5000 aims to motivate people to get screened and to bring together local communities to celebrate colon cancer survivors and their families," said Jasmine Greenamyer, CEO of the CCA. "With such great turnout for the Undy 5000, we're able to raise money for the CCA's prevention, research and patient support services and help local organizations fund colon cancer programs."

Boosting awareness is key when it comes to treating colon cancer because early detection is vital -- up to 90 percent of all cases of colon cancer can be prevented with recommended screening. Colon cancer is one of the most detectable and, if found early enough, most treatable forms of cancer. According to the CCA, if you are at high risk or age 50 or older or, if colon cancer runs in your family, getting a screening test for colon cancer could save your life.

Since the Undy 5000 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk's inception by the CCA in 2008, the series has raised more than $4.3 million to help fund local colon cancer screening efforts and the CCA's patient-support programs. Find an Undy 5000 Run/Walk near you, and talk to your friends and family about the importance of screening -- it saves lives.

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